5 BusBarSysCourse1 3

"Busbar Systems"
Experiment Objectives
 Understanding switchgear's basic design and power distribution.

 Understanding the difference between an isolator and a circuit breaker.
 Learning about the functions of double busbars.
 Practice correct switching/changing sequences safely for humans and
equipments.
Equipment
Equipment Part Number Description Quantity
CO3301-3F Resistive load, 3-phase, 1

1 kW
CO3301-3H Resistive load, 3x560 Ω 1
CO3301-5R Double busbar, 3-phase, 4

incoming / outgoing
feeder
CO3301-5 Double busbar, 1

3-phase, coupler panel
S
Adjustable 3-phase
CO3301-3Z 1
power supply,
0-400 V/2 A
CO5127-1S Three-phase meter 1

Double Busbar
1. Description
Three-phase power with currents of up to 5 Amps per phase can be carried, measured and
switched by means of the double busbar model. Also present on the board is a branch/
connector which can be turned on and off through isolators. The subsequent circuit breaker
also has a three-phase design and serves to switch the outgoing and incoming power feeders on
and off, and to change busbars.
The isolators and circuit breakers are controlled manually by means of pushbuttons, or by
means of a remote switching device (like PLC, protective relay,etc) through a control input.
The isolators and circuit breakers are equipped additionally with an auxiliary contact through
which indicator lights and other signaling devices can be switched. The switching status is
indicated by LEDs. Overcurrent is also indicated by an LED and opens the switches.
Certain switching combinations are interlocked - more on this later. Incorrect operations of this
kind are indicated visually and acoustically by the models.
Switching can be performed in three different ways:
1. Manually on the device using on/off buttons.
2. By the way of digital control voltage inputs (max. 30 V DC).
3. Through Ethernet using Lucas-Nülle's SCADA Designer/Viewer.
2. Connection
Isolator Q1 connects busbar 1, Q2 connects busbar 2 of the corresponding field to circuit

breaker Q3. For the outgoing field, the connection to the outgoing feeders is established by
means of circuit breaker Q3. In the case of the coupling field, Q3 connects both isolators to
coupling the busbars.
Several modules can be lay out successively to produce any required network configuration.
The modules can be interconnected via the RJ45 port, and operated through Lucas-Nülle's
SCADA Viewer/Designer. For this, the modules must be organized with different IP addresses
in the LAN. The voltages of the busbars, the currents flowing through the circuit breaker, and
status messages can be displayed with the software for the incoming and outgoing fields.
3. Control elements
Figure 1:
Left: Incoming / outgoing feeders (CO3301-5R). Right: Coupler panel (CO3301-5S)
Component legend:
1: Busbar input 1 (top), busbar input 2 (bottom); L1, L2 and L3 in each case.
2: Busbar output 1 (top), busbar output 2 (bottom); L1, L2 and L3 in each case.
3: Control panel for isolator Q1.
4: Control panel for isolator Q2.
5: Control panel for circuit breaker Q3.
6: Ethernet connections for measurement and control.
7: 0 V connection (earth) for the control inputs (3-5). This is not a neutral conductor
connection.
8: 400 V connection for feeder field L1, L2 and L3; the coupler panel does not have this
line routing.
4. Isolator and Circuit Breaker Control
Figure 2:
Isolator in detail
1. Every switch has a red and a green status LED to indicate whether or not
the switch is open.
a. OFF glows red when the switch is open; ON lits green when the switch
is closed.
2. The yellow buttons can be used to change the switching status manually.
3. A control voltage (DC, 30V max) can also be used to change the
switching status via the red jacks.
a. Connect your voltage source's earth terminal to 0 V of the busbar field
to be addressed.
b. The pulses / continuous signals are opened / closed via the red input
jacks.
c. OFF has dominant status across all three control platforms (buttons,
control voltage and SCADA).
4. In addition to the three main contacts for L1, L2 and L3, there is an
auxiliary NO-contact for further applications.
5. Interlocked switching operations
In general: An isolator is closed before the circuit breaker is closed. A circuit breaker is
opened before the isolator is opened. As a result, the more robust circuit breaker is
responsible for the critical part of switching, namely starting or stopping a flow of current.
More information on the differences between isolators and circuit breakers is provided in the
section on switching stations and substations.
This switching condition is also implemented in the operation of double busbars. Faulty
switching instructions in this context are ignored, and indicated by means of a warning tone
and a flashing light. An exception is the change of busbar without interruption, in which case
it is permissible to close the second isolator after the first one and the circuit breaker have
already closed. Further switching logic functions across devices and fields can be
programmed individually via the SCADA Designer/Viewer PLC.
6. Operation with SCADA Designer/Viewer

When the control system is started via SCADA, the computer's current switching status is
transmitted to the busbars.
 After a local network has been set up, it is possible to address/control the double busbars
through a computer.
7. Technical details concerning the double busbar models CO3301-5R

and CO3301-5S
1. Three-phase current measurement in the branch (with CO3301-5R): 0 to 5
Amps.
2. Three-phase voltage measurement in the branch (with CO3301-5R) and the
two busbars: 0 to 500 V.
3. Control voltage: 24 V (for the digital inputs of the isolators and circuit
breaker); the earth terminal of the control voltage source must be connected to
the 0V jack of the busbars.
4. Ethernet interfaces (100 Mbit).
5. Integrated acoustic unit for issuing warnings and alarm signals. This feature
can also be used specifically for localizing controlled modules.
6. Integrated monitoring functions:
a. Overcurrent: 5 A, tripping time of 300 ms (maximum current through
circuit-breaker Q3).
b. Overvoltage: 480 V, tripping time of 150 ms (maximum voltage at BB1,
BB2 or feeder).
c. Maximum phase difference: 30° (maximum phase angle between 2
corresponding outer conductors).
d. Maximum voltage difference: 35 V (maximum voltage difference
between 2 corresponding outer conductors).
e. Black start/dead busbar detection: 10 V (maximum busbar voltage at
which a live outgoing / incoming feeder can be connected to the busbar) -
the aforementioned conditions apply at higher voltages.
8. General instructions on handling the double busbar modules
CO3301-5R and CO3301-5S
 When necessary check whether your power supply has a clockwise rotary field using a
phase sequence rotary field tester.
 Both busbars within a module, as well as the individual modules are to be fed from the
same voltage source.
 If two or more different voltage sources (generator, transformer, constant voltage source,
inverter etc.) are to be used, then you must ensure synchronization among them. (Refer to
the experiment on generator control and synchronization).
1. Sources which are galvanically isolated from each other, like several generators,
must be connected so as to at least result in the same rotary field direction for all
phases; further parameters such as voltage and frequency must also be observed.
2. If several sources not galvanically isolated from each other are used, the rotary field
direction and phase sequence for connection must be observed.
a. This is the case, for example, if you want to connect one or more power
supplies for electric machines (CO3301-5U) to one or more controllable
three-phase power supplies (CO3301-3Z) by means of busbars.
b. If you use different voltage sources for feeding, ensure that they are all
operated via a matching, common fault-current circuit breaker, otherwise
unwanted tripping may well occur.
 An easy method of verifying these conditions is a phase-by-phase check of the voltages V1
and V2 requiring synchronization by means of a multimeter: V1L1-V2L1, V1L2-V2L2 and
V1L3-V3L3 must all result in nearly 0 V.
 In general: Changes to the experiment setup must be performed in the de-energized state.
 Due to the heat generated by the electrical loads, ensure adequate ventilation and safety
clearance to other devices.
 Do not leave loads unattended during operation; turn off unnecessary loads.
Background/Introduction
Electrical energy is transmitted and distributed via overhead lines and underground cables
operating at different voltage levels, selections here are based on technical and economic
criteria. To achieve high availability, it is necessary to interconnect networks to an appropriate
degree to make sure dependable energy supply for consumers even in the event of failure of
individual transmission paths.
Points inside a network where two or more lines meet are called nodes. Often present at these
nodes are switching devices which isolate affected phases for the purpose of eliminating faults
or performing maintenance and repairs. The switching facilities needed for this, including
measurement, monitoring, protection and ancillary equipment, are arranged structurally to
form what is known as switchgear. If the switchgear includes transformers for changing
voltage levels, one speaks of a substation.
A distinction is made here between high, medium, and low voltage systems, depending on the
voltage levels involved:
 Low voltage systems operate in the range up to 1 kV and are usually situated
in compact, prefabricated switch cabinets.
 Medium voltage systems operating at up to 20 kV (or 30 kV in some
countries) are designed as indoor installations, many of them found in
residential and industrial areas.
 High voltage systems operating at up to 380 kV (or 750 kV and 1000 kV in
some countries) are usually designed as outdoor installations for financial
reasons.
Due to their longer isolation paths, however, high-voltage systems take up a lot of space,
besides being a visual and acoustic nuisance for their environment. To confront these
disadvantages, equipments which active components are encapsulated in an isolating, gaseous
atmosphere at overpressure are used (usually SF6, sulphur hexafluoride). This permits
significant reductions in switching distances, isolation paths and the dimensions of the
switchgear. The outcome is more compact high-voltage switchgear which can also operate as
an indoor installation in residential and industrial areas.
Another difference between the individual voltage levels is reflected in the measures for
protection against faults such as short circuits.
 Low and medium voltage networks make use of blow-out fuses (low voltage/
high power or high voltage/high power).
 For physical reasons, however, this is not possible in high voltage networks.
These use protective relays which detect faults and transmit appropriate
commands to circuit breakers capable of switching high currents.
1. Switching Stations and Substations

 Despite their marked differences, switchgear installations always incorporate
a set of identical assembly groups:
a. Busbars
b. Circuit breakers and isolators
c. Current and voltage transformers
d. Surge arresters
e. Earthing isolators
f. In some cases: Transformers
Depending on local structural conditions and technical requirements for switchgear, plans
involve selection of either an open/large design or an encapsulated/compact design. If
appropriate space is available, the open, air-insulated design proves to be the cost-effective
alternative.
These assembly groups are selected and dimensioned in accordance with relevant
requirements as well as expected mechanical and electrical loads. Additional facilities for
control and monitoring are present to perform the often required remote control of such
switchgear. Furthermore, the quantities of energy supplied to consumers are measured by the
switchgear; beside equipments' measurements and protections to keep save them against
overvoltage, overcurrent, short-circuit and other kinds of faults.
Switchgear integrated into combined networks fulfills as an important switching feature in the
context of a smart grid. Switching stations of this kind allow selection of current paths,
sources and sinks based on power levels, besides enabling inter-regional planning of power
routes and load control.
A. Busbars
At the core of a switchgear installation is the busbar whose design depends on the operating
voltage as well as currents expected during normal operation and in the event of faults. One
possible design comprises solid copper bars (Figure 1). These are often used in the low-
voltage range, but also for some medium-voltage applications.
Figure 1:
Solid copper busbars in the low-voltage range in an indoor switchgear cabinet. Due to the relatively low
voltages, the three outer conductors (here: yellow, green, red) are only a few inches apart from each other.
At higher voltages, a use of solid conductors is avoided due to the skin effect; installed instead
are hollow conductors usually shaped like tubes. In extreme cases, they can even be cooled
internally to allow very large currents. Figure 2 shows three outer conductors incorporating
wound and straight hollow tubes which are interconnected via a transducer.
Figure 2:
Three outer conductors (yellow, green, red) routed via transducers.
Wound and straight hollow tubes are used here.
Figure 3 shows a cost-effective, large-scale and commonly used outdoor installation with
hollow tubular conductors. The conductors run at a height of several feet above the ground
(visible continuously from left to right in the picture). The hollow conductors are supported
by insulators on the ground, otherwise air serves as the insulation path over appropriate
intervals. Incoming and outgoing feeders at this kind of facility are connected to the hollow
tubular conductors via scissor-type isolators/pantograph isolators (and circuit breakers).
Running crosswise above the hollow tubular conductors are overhead lines connected to the
upcoming pylons and establishing the link to the switchgear.
Figure 3:
Outdoor switchgear with hollow tubular conductors and overhead lines
If the facility has to be more compact, and perhaps even be integrated into a residential/utility
building, it requires gas-tight encapsulation. Encapsulation allows atmospheric air, which is
quite conductive by comparison, to be replaced with a gas mixture comprising SF6 (sulphur
hexafluoride) which is a better insulator. This has a lower breakdown tendency, and allows
the distances between the various potentials to be significantly reduced, thus enabling
installation inside rooms and cabinets. Due to the gas apparatus, additionally required control
mechanisms etc., such facilities entail higher equipment and maintenance costs.
Figure 4:
An indoor unit encapsulated in SF6 (sulphur hexafluoride).
The picture shows all components such as busbar, circuit-breakers, isolators and control panel
B. Circuit breakers and isolators

Switching operations as part of high voltage technology require elaborate switches for
disconnecting the electric circuits. These switches must be capable of disconnecting the full
operating current, as well as the fault current in the event of a fault, they are known as circuit
breakers. Modern circuit breakers with the high-voltage rating of 380 kV, for example, can
switch 80 kAmps reliably and non-destructively.
Figure 5 shows the sectional model of a circuit breaker with a low oil content. One arm of the
circuit-breaker is able to switch 110 kV; the series arrangement of two switches (Y-shaped
here, the second arm being visible on the right) doubles the switching capacity to 220 kV. The
total short-circuit switching capacity is 1.3 GW, or nearly 6 kA. The oil forming part of the
design serves for cooling and suppressing electric arcs during switching. Despite the greater
tendency to use vacuum switches and SF6 switches today, the fundamental principle has not
changed: The resultant electric arc is cooled to induce a renewed breakdown of the already
ionized air and/or confined to certain areas of the switch in order to lengthen the arc's path
(serves to increase the reverse voltage). Usually, the electric arc is then extinguished at the
first zero crossing of the source voltage.
Figure 5:
Sectional model of a 220kV circuit breaker with a low oil content (no oil is visible, due to the sectional view)
Isolators are used as a supplement to the relatively small, open spark gap of a circuit breaker.
In the simplest case, they comprise a conductive blade which possesses a rotary bearing and
which can be swivelled into a contact fitting. Isolators ensure reliable disconnection, also in
the event of overvoltages, short circuits and lightning strikes; furthermore, their switching
status is indicated optically or through inherent design.
There are further designs, some of them hybrid, such as the load-break switch. It can
switch operating currents and indicate safe, open connections, but cannot switch
short-circuit currents.
Figure 6:
Pivoted, open isolators
Isolators allow maintenance to be performed safely at the facility. In contrast to a circuit

breaker, an isolator may only be actuated in the de-energized state, i.e. the associated circuit
breaker must be open. To avoid false switching, the isolator and associated circuit breaker of
encapsulated facilities are mechanically Interlocked. The isolator also serves to produce a
visible disconnection point, which is invisible in the case of circuit breakers because it is
situated in an arc conduit. The visible disconnection point is a required measure when de-
energizing line segments, and serves for safe work on switchgear.
C. Arrangement of the assembly groups
According to its various functions, every switchgear facility and substation is divided into
individual fields. A distinction is made here between incoming-feeder, outgoing-feeder and
coupling fields.
The layout of each field is largely standardized. These fields are generally represented in
single-pole mode in circuit diagrams. In this kind of representation, only the resources needed
for the facility to function are drawn using standardized symbols:
Figure 7:
Block diagram of a branch (1. busbar; 2. busbar disconnector; 3. circuit breaker; 4. current transformer;
5. voltage transformer; 6. overhead line disconnector; 7. earthing disconnector)
The circuit shown in Figure 7 applies equally to incoming and outgoing feeders. The two
isolators are used to disconnect the circuit breaker, including the current and voltage
transformers. If the facility has several busbars, multiple busbar disconnectors are accordingly
needed too, as shown for two busbars in Figure 9. The transformers register the data required
by systems for operation, metering and protection.
Disconnected lines must be earthed for maintenance work on high voltage installations.
Neighboring, active lines apply capacitive and inductive influences, while lightning strikes and
other voltage sources are also possible; without earthing, it is therefore unlikely that the
disconnected line is at earth potential. Due to its function, the earthing disconnector is also
sometimes known as "earthing for work". Disconnectors are also known as Off-Load switches
since they can't switch off active current in networks. Figure 8 shows the circuitry of a simple
facility consisting of one busbar, one incoming feeder, and two outgoing feeders.
Figure 8:
Facility with busbar, incoming-feeder field and outgoing-feeder field
Normally, at least two busbars are operated in parallel to allow large sections to be
disconnected in the event of a fault or when work is needed.
For the purpose of clarity, Figure 9 and subsequent illustrations no longer show
the current / voltage transformers or overhead-line / earthing disconnectors.
Figure 9:
Facility with two busbars and coupling field
With the help of the circuit breaker in the coupling field, the two busbars can be connected to
form a single node. This coupling is known as transverse coupling, and allows busbars to be
changed without interruption. According to requirements, incoming-feeder fields and
outgoing-feeder fields can be connected to the individual busbars without any interruptions in
supply.
Because isolators can only be switched in the de-energized state, a circuit breaker is needed
for coupling two busbars. If the busbars in Figure 9 need to be coupled together, the two
isolators should be closed first, followed by the circuit breaker
During coupling of busbars, appropriate measures (e.g. adjustment of transformer step
switches) are needed to equalize potentials, otherwise excessively high compensation currents
flow when the busbars are interconnected. Once the busbars have been coupled, the branches
can be switched back and forth between the busbars as required, because there is no longer
any potential difference. Before an isolator is opened, it is simply necessary to ensure that the
other isolator of the same branch is first closed. Otherwise an isolator would be opened under
load and thereby get damaged, besides possibly causing further damage to the facility.
Appropriate interlocks (electric or pneumatic) are used to secure the isolators against
accidental opening.
If the facility shown in Figure 9 is to be extended to three busbars, only three instead of two
isolators need to be installed per branch. As the number of busbars increases, so does the
flexibility in achieving the desired network configuration. Transfer busbar is the term used for
an additional busbar which is connected via a separate circuit breaker or a coupling field to the
remaining busbars (Figure 10).
Figure 10:
Facility with two busbars and a transfer busbar
At this facility, the equipment situated between the busbars and the transfer busbar can be
disconnected for the purpose of inspection, without a need to open the relevant branch. This
also applies to the current and voltage transformers in the configuration shown in Figure 10.
During operation with a transfer busbar, the transformers and protective relays in the branch
containing this busbar must therefore perform the protection and measurement tasks for the
associated line. However, this is only possible if transformers possessing identical
transformation ratios are installed in all branches. If this condition cannot be met, the current
and voltage transformers must be situated behind the transfer busbar (on the line side). But
this in turn obstructs an inspection of these devices. Large facilities often incorporate a further
switching option enabling longitudinal disconnection of long busbar systems. Called
longitudinal coupling, this option can be combined with transverse coupling as shown in
Figure 11.
Figure 11:
Coupling field with longitudinal and transverse coupling
Though very elaborate, this coupling with six isolators offers a multitude of circuit variants. It
permits both busbars to be linked longitudinally, besides allowing transverse couplings in the
left-hand or right-hand busbar section. Other representations of busbar couplings are also
available depending on operational requirements. The equipment and related switching
connections described above constitute only one of the facility's parts needed directly for
operation. They are supplemented by other components such as surge arresters, earth-fault
quenching coils, choke coils and coupling capacitors for transmitting carrier frequencies in
high-voltage lines, and often also facilities for reactive power compensation.
2. Basic circuitry of a double busbar system
Busbars are an important component of switchgears designed to receive and distribute
incoming electrical energy.
Figure 1:
Switchgear facility with double busbar (I and II) for three-phase current (single-phase
representation)
 Field 1: Measurement field with high-power fuses (F1, F2), voltage transformers
(T3, T4) and voltmeters (P1, P2).
 Fields 2, 4, 6 and 8: Outgoing feeders for consumers.
 Fields 3 and 7: Incoming feeders with transformers T1 and T2.
 Field 5: Coupler.
 T5 to T11: Current transformers with 2 cores for measurement and protection.
 P3 to P9: Ammeters.
 P10 to P15: Protective devices.
 Qn1 and Qn2: Isolators.
 Qn3: Circuit breakers.
Figure 1 comprises a single-pole block diagram of a facility with 2 incoming feeders, 1
measurement field for both busbars, and 1 coupling field. Other important components here
include the isolators, circuit breakers, high-power fuses, voltage and current transformers,
voltmeters and ammeters, as well as protective equipment and controllers. The switching
devices can be actuated by hand, a motor, or compressed air. In the case of large switchgear
facilities like the one illustrated, control should be possible locally or from a control room
(again, either manually or via programmable controllers).
If in Figure 1, for example, the previously inactive consumer 2 is switched on, the sequence
described next must be observed when busbar I is selected.
 Isolator Q21 ON; isolator Q22 remains OFF.
 Circuit breaker Q23 ON.
If this outgoing feeder is to be switched off again, the sequence described next must always be
observed.
 Circuit breaker Q23 OFF.
 Isolator Q21 OFF.
The other fields are switched in a similar manner. Only the circuit breakers can be used to
connect / disconnect the power or short-circuit currents. The isolators must always be actuated
in the de-energized state. Busbar change is always a special switching process. If in Figure 1,
for example, incoming feeders 3 and 7 as well as outgoing feeders 2, 4, 6 and 8 need to be
switched without interruption from busbar I to busbar II so as to free busbar I, the coupling
switch from field 5 must be included. The switching sequence in Figure 1 is then as follows:
1. Isolator Q51 ON, isolator Q52 ON, circuit breaker Q53 ON. Both busbars' voltages are
then identical in terms of value, phase angle and frequency.
2. Isolator Q22 ON, isolator Q21 OFF
8. Circuit breaker Q53 OFF, isolators Q51 and Q52 OFF.
This disconnects and de-energizes busbar I. This laboratory model is intended to perform the
above-mentioned switching procedures employed in reality, besides learning how to avoid
incorrect switching operations and compare previous power distributions with new ones as
well as the intermediate states. The sequence of partial diagrams a) to c) in Figure 2 below
provides a basic representation of an initial state a), intermediate state b) and final state c).
The coupling field is energized only during switchover if the coupling switch is on.
Figure 2:
Switching states before (a), during (b) and after (c) busbar change with power indication
In an absence of mechanical, electrical and program-controlled interlocks, a switchover

action's success or failure depends on the operator (switching foreman, technician, engineer).
Incorrect operation of isolators can result in electric arcs which cause significant damage and
a failure of the power supply in the affected area. For this reason, basic skills in handling
switching devices forming part of switchgear are crucial, and protection of switchgear against
switching errors has a very high priority. Taking these requirements into account too, the
training model presented here can be controlled by a PLC (programmable logic controller).
Assembly Instructions
To study the relationships applicable to switchgear, we will set up the training workplace
shown in Figure 1 (Figure 9 of section switching stations and substations) and basically
perform the switching operations described in the section related to the basic circuitry of a
double busbar model.
To fully utilize a double busbar system's faculties, it would be practical to supply each busbar
from a separate voltage source. However, this would require installation of a synchronization
mechanism upstream. The circuit in this experiment is fed by a single power source.
To achieve different loads for the individual busbars and produce a compensation current via
the coupler panel, one busbar can be tapped before the line model, the other busbar after the
line model.
In practice, this situation arises when a substation is fed both by a remote and a nearby power
plant.
Figure 1:
Basic layout of the training workplace
Fields one to four comprise outgoing feeders (CO3301-5R), field 5 comprises a coupler panel
(CO3301-5S) for coupling both busbars. A variable three-phase transformer is used for
incoming feed through fields 1 and 2; a fix resistive load is employed in the case of field 3; a
variable resistive load is used for field 4; and field 5 does for coupling both busbars.
The following setting only applies to experiments with the double busbar system:
1. Switching devices are generally positioned in the OFF state.

2. Connect the fixed resistive load (CO3301-3H) star configuration.
3. Set the variable resistive load (CO3301-3F) to 200 Ω and connect it in star
configuration.
4. Set up the circuit of Figure 2 and determine the expected current at 220V and 200 Ω
using equation 1. Record this value.
5. Turn on the three-phase AC voltage supply and adjust to a line-to-line voltage of
220 VLL.
6. With the help of the multi-function meter (CO5127-1S or CO5127-1Y) adjust the
three phase current near of the calculated current of step by means off the variable
resistive load (CO3301-3F). Record this value.
7. Turn off the three-phase AC voltage supply and connect circuit of Figure 1.
Figure 2:
Layout for current adjustment
Equation 1: Three Phase Current
The currents and their distribution change depending on the load and transition resistances.
In the case of our double busbar model, the relationships involving load currents and
transition resistances are less favourable than those of a real double busbar facility; as a
result, the currents may not be distributed as expected.
All isolators and circuit breakers of the double busbars should be open at the beginning
of each experiment.
Controlling double busbars via SCADA
Figure 1:
Control of double busbars via SCADA
In addition to manual control, it is possible to control the double busbars with the help of
Lucas-Nülle's SCADA software Viewer (SO4001-3 H).
Apart from pushbutton control via the front panel and manual software control, the
busbars can be controlled automatically via the internal "soft" PLC of the SCADA
software.
After starting the SCADA software and opening the file named EPD.pvc you need to
initialize an Ethernet configuration for the double busbars; a detailed description of this
is provided in the chapter on connection via Ethernet. Also requiring initialization is the
IP address of the employed measuring device.
Proceed by connecting your SCADA software via to the hardware. If something is wrong
with the Ethernet connection to the busbars or the multi-function meter CO5127-1S, an error
message is issued at this point. The causes of any error messages must be resolved before
SCADA can be connected. Once all devices have been properly configured, the system is
online and you can read operating values and perform switching operations.
Field Number
Field Designation, Input 1 here
Field's Operating Status
Isolator - Busbar 1
Isolator - Busbar 2
Circuit Breaker
Measurement Values
Outgoing Feeder
∑ Apparent Power
Figure 2:
Details of double busbar control via SCADA
Figure 2 shows the control panel of a busbar outgoing feeder CO3301-5R.
 The field's operating status is indicated under the field designation; if the SCADAViewer
is connected, you can request further information on the operating status with a left-
click:
Figure 3:
Information on a busbar field's status
1. After resolved a busbar error, you can reset it here by means of the reset
BUTTON.
2. The BLINK and BEEP buttons function respectively for optical and
acoustic signaling of the hardware currently being addressed.
 The OFF and ON buttons can be used to switch isolators Qx.1 and Qx.2 as well as circuit
breaker Qx.3, where "x" represents the field number.
 The button in the Viewer symbolizes the state of the corresponding switch via colours in
the circuit diagram.
 Indicated below that are the field's line-to-line voltages, line currents and apparent
powers.
1. The apparent powers are calculated approximately from the line
currents and the line-to-line voltages via the PLC.
Coupler panel CO3301-5S behaves like the outgoing feeder field, except that there is no
outgoing feed voltage V3 in this case.
Unless stated otherwise, line voltages and currents are involved here. Busbar systems often
distribute only the outer conductors, while the neutral and protective conductors are formed
locally, for example, via a transformer star point. In practice, busbar voltage specifications
therefore usually refer to the outer conductors.
Experiments
In the next experiments, you will perform switching operations for each individual field
following the switching commands provided in each case or step. After every switching
operation, the switch position is verified and the corresponding measured values of field's line-
to-line voltages (VLL), line currents (ILL) and apparent powers (∑VA) are recorded in the
indicated table.
of each experiment. (Standby Position - All Off).
1. Single Busbar Operation with One Incoming Feeder

Procedure
Follow following steps and record the measured values in Table 1. All other fields must
remain in the standby position otherwise indicated. Turn on the AC power supply to 220 VLL.
 Switch ON (for example, switch on a load or consumer).
1. Field 1 (Incoming feeder 1): 1. Isolator Q1.1: ON
2. Circuit breaker Q1.3: ON
2. Field 3 (Outgoing feeder 1): 1. Isolator Q3.1: ON
 Switch OFF (for example, switch off a load or consumer).
4. Field 3 (Outgoing feeder 1): 1. Circuit breaker Q3.3: OFF

2. Isolator Q3.1: OFF
Table 1:
Single Busbar Operation with One Incoming Feeder
2. Single Busbar Operation with Two Incoming Feeder

Procedure
remain in the standby position otherwise indicated.
 Switch ON (for example, connecting two different loads fed by two voltage sources).
1. Field 1 (Incoming feeder1): 1. Isolator Q1.1: ON

 Switch OFF (for example, disconnecting two different loads fed by several voltage
sources).


Table 2:
Single Busbar Operation with Two Incoming Feeders
3. Double Busbar operation with two incoming feeders

Procedure
 Switch ON (for example, connecting several loads supplied by two voltage sources;
in this process, the load current is distributed among several busbars).
5. Field 5: Coupler panel: 1. Isolator Q5.1: ON
2. Isolator Q5.2: ON
 Switch OFF (for example, disconnecting several loads whose currents were
previously distributed among two busbars).
Table 3:
Double Busbar Operation with Two Incoming Feeders
4. Busbar change without interruption

Procedure
 Busbar change without interruption: Switchover (for example, switchover of
several loads or consumers to a different busbar without interruption for the
purpose of performing maintenance in the de-energized state without disrupting
ongoing operations).
Field 2 (Incoming feeder 2): 1. Isolator Q2.1: ON
Field 3 (Outgoing feeder 1): 1. Isolator Q3.1: ON
Field 4 (Outgoing feeder2): 1. Isolator Q4.1: ON
Field 5: Coupler panel: 1. Isolator Q5.1: ON
2. Isolator Q5.2: ON
Turn off the three-phase AC voltage supply.
Table 4:
Busbar Change without Interruption
A change of busbar without interruption is generally slower because it involves more

switching operations than a change of busbar with interruption. For many applications,
however, this time factor is irrelevant due to the higher priority of continuous
availability.
Report Questions
1. Name the four main properties of isolators.

2. Which line-to-line voltages are present on the busbars (I & II) in the switch on position
of a single busbar operation with two incoming feeders?
3. Draw a diagram showing the present switching status of a double busbar operation with
two incoming feeders in the switch on position.
4. How is the cumulative load distributed among the two incoming feed transformers of a
double busbar operation with two incoming feeders in the switch on position?
5. What are the three main features of a interruption-free busbar switching operation?
References
Pierre Wasser, Jörg Ludwig, Investigating Busbar Systems, Lucas-Nülle GmbH, 2016.

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"Busbar Systems"

 Understanding switchgear's basic design and power distribution.

Equipment Part Number Description Quantity

CO3301-3F Resistive load, 3-phase, 1

CO3301-3H Resistive load, 3x560 Ω 1

CO3301-5R Double busbar, 3-phase, 4

CO3301-5 Double busbar, 1

CO5127-1S Three-phase meter 1

Isolator Q1 connects busbar 1, Q2 connects busbar 2 of the corresponding field to circuit

6. Operation with SCADA Designer/Viewer

7. Technical details concerning the double busbar models CO3301-5R

1. Switching Stations and Substations

B. Circuit breakers and isolators

Isolators allow maintenance to be performed safely at the facility. In contrast to a circuit

C. Arrangement of the assembly groups

In an absence of mechanical, electrical and program-controlled interlocks, a switchover

1. Switching devices are generally positioned in the OFF state.

Equation 1: Three Phase Current

Field Designation, Input 1 here

Field's Operating Status

Figure 2 shows the control panel of a busbar outgoing feeder CO3301-5R.

1. Single Busbar Operation with One Incoming Feeder

4. Field 3 (Outgoing feeder 1): 1. Circuit breaker Q3.3: OFF

2. Single Busbar Operation with Two Incoming Feeder

1. Field 1 (Incoming feeder1): 1. Isolator Q1.1: ON

5. Field 3 (Outgoing feeder 1): 1. Circuit breaker Q3.3: OFF

6. Field 4 (Outgoing feeder 2): 1. Circuit breaker Q4.3: OFF

3. Double Busbar operation with two incoming feeders

4. Busbar change without interruption

A change of busbar without interruption is generally slower because it involves more

1. Name the four main properties of isolators.

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